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Player News - Wednesday, April 2nd, 2014

Rodgers, 25, is best known for being Aaron's younger brother. The Fins are his third NFL team after going undrafted out of Vanderbilt last April; he also had brief stints with the Jaguars and Buccaneers. Rodgers is a camp arm.

A hearing is scheduled for May 19. Goodson was arrested two months after signing with the Jets when police found him and a buddy, both of whom "appeared intoxicated," stopped in the middle lane of Interstate 80. During a search, police discovered a gun with hollow-point bullets in the glove compartment. Goodson allegedly told police he owned the gun, but has since retracted. Goodwon was suspended the first four games of last season for substance abuse violations. Last year's transgression would fall under the personal conduct policy.

It was initially reported that Spencer, 32, was viewed as merely a fallback option for the Titans, who had three interior linemen in for visits Wednesday. Instead, GM Ruston Webster goes with a guy he knows. Spencer is purely a backup.

"Hamilton made spectacular plays in practice and I watched him improve every week," said Jackson. "We have a very talented wide receiver group but I don't think you can ever have too much. It's going to be fun to see where he fits because he's a big physical player." Hamilton faces long odds of a prominent offensive role but he possesses tackle-shedding ability and is a plus blocker.

FA Chris Spencer only a fallback for Titans

04-02-2014

Chris Spencer C TEN

Free agent G/C Chris Spencer is only considered a fallback plan for the Titans.

Free agent Gs Uche Nwaneri and Garrett Reynolds and G/C Eric Olsen visited the Titans on Wednesday. Tennessee is set with its starting interior unit but its in the market for capable backups. Spencer is 32 years old.

Rudolph has one year remaining on his rookie deal and is coming off a season that saw him play in only eight games due to a broken foot. While he'd like the long-term security, it might be best for Rudolph to wait. He has an opportunity to post, by far, his best season as a pro under tight end-friendly OC Norv Turner.

Lions signed QB Dan Orlovsky, formerly of the Bucs, to a one-year contract.

As expected. Orlovsky, 31 in August, was said to be at the top of the Lions' list for No. 2 duties after failing to re-sign Shaun Hill and missing out on Luke McCown. Orlovsky started five games for Lions coach Jim Caldwell's Colts in 2011.

While with the Dolphins, Patterson underwent the operation after being placed on injured reserve on December 10. The extent of the operation is uncertain, but Patterson should be ready for training camp. He's tentatively expected to fill a top-three corner role for Gang Green in 2014. Patterson turns 31 in June.

LaAdrian Waddle favorite for Lions RT job

04-02-2014

LaAdrian Waddle T DET

LaAdrian Waddle is considered the favorite for the Lions starting right tackle job.

Waddle started eight of the final nine games on the right side for Detroit as an undrafted rookie and received positive marks from Pro Football Focus as both a pass and run blocker. He's a big boy at 6-foot-6 and 321 pounds and dominated at times in the run game. Corey Hilliard will likely be the swing tackle.

CBS Sports' Jason La Canfora had a similar report last week. All we know is that it's certain to happen in the very near future. The Titans are trying to trade Johnson, but we highly doubt it happens. Teams already know Johnson is going to get his pink slip. The Jets are expected to show interest in the 29-year-old (in September). A handful of other teams could show interest in Johnson.

Wharton, 33 in May, has missed out on the big money in free agency. The only deals being handed out now (if your name isn't DeSean Jackson) are one-year pacts at or near the veteran minimum. Coming off a spectacular season, Wharton probably isn't interested in that. He could wait for a summer or in-season injury.

It never made sense to have Alexander on the outside in Arizona's 3-4 defense in the first place. He doesn't bring anything to the table as a pass rusher. At inside 'backer, Alexander will compete for playing time behind Daryl Washington and Kevin Minter. Alexander is an ace on special teams.

Fox (6-foot-6, 314) won the Lions starting right tackle job out of camp last summer but suffered a groin injury in Week 1 before losing the gig to LaAdrian Waddle. The 26-year-old (in May) is an above-average pass blocker and is now penciled in as the Dolphins' starting right tackle. He'll certainly be part of a camp battle.

The Packers' offense has been far too pass-dependent over the last four seasons, relying exclusively on Aaron Rodgers' arm due to a lack of talent at tailback. That's no longer the case. "You hope they play you two-shell defense all day when Eddie's in the backfield," McCarthy said. A healthy Rodgers is going to open even more lanes for Lacy, who totaled 1,435 yards and 11 touchdowns as a rookie. He's a no-brainer first-round fantasy pick.

The Dolphins currently have no one penciled in at right tackle. Fox played his college ball at the University of Miami and is just 25 years old, but he profiles as a swing tackle at best. He would be a depth signing to play behind a rookie.

Fellow free agent guard Garrett Reynolds is also in Nashville for a visit as the Titans look for depth behind Andy Levitre and Chance Warmack. Nwaneri is a far superior option and shouldn't be too much more expensive.

We're not the only ones that are excited to see Michael spread his wings one day. He was a strict third-stringer as a rookie, essentially serving as an innocent bystander as the Seahawks won the Super Bowl. But Schneider knows he has special talent on his hands and views Michael as a huge piece of the future. Marshawn Lynch is 28 years old and his contract expires following the 2015 season.

Smith admitted there were "several discussions" within the organization about the backup quarterback spot. In the end, Whisenhunt won out as the Titans made the questionable move of dumping Ryan Fitzpatrick. Although Whitehurst is an expert in Whiz's system, we've seen nothing on tape to suggest he'll be able to move the ball if/when Jake Locker misses time.

As long as starter and designated "bell cow" Ryan Mathews stays healthy, Brown's role will be relatively minor. Of course, Mathews has missed 10 games through four NFL seasons, has hobbled through countless others and is entering the final year of his contract. The Chargers also project to execute one of the league's more run-heavy schemes. So Brown, who got a $10.5 million contract with $4 million guaranteed, will be well worth owning as a handcuff in fantasy circles.

Alexander plans to participate in OTAs

04-02-2014

Lorenzo Alexander LB ARZ

Cardinals OLB Lorenzo Alexander (Lisfranc) said he plans to participate in OTAs and minicamp.

Alexander tore his right Lisfranc tendon on Sept. 22, 2013. He'll likely be a limited participant in the offseason program and then ramp up his activity at training camp. If healthy, Alexander is an elite special teamer and quality depth at the outside 'backer spot.

Keisel is 35 years old, but is reportedly dedicated to playing and in great shape. He's spent his entire 11-year career with the Steelers, who have made no public statements about wanting him back. CBS' Jason La Canfora suggests the Jets as a possible fit.

Sam Koch now expected to stick with Ravens

04-02-2014

Sam Koch P BAL

Coach John Harbaugh said the plan is for Sam Koch to remain the Ravens punter this season.

Beat writer Jeff McLane thinks "that was much ado about nothing." Mathis wanted a raise and the Eagles responded by suggesting a trade, but there have been no whispers of anyone wanted to surrender a third-round pick for a 32-year-old. Given the public relations hit the Eagles are taking from fans on DeSean Jackson right now, it's hard to see them letting their All-Pro guard walk.

Defenses weren't threatened by Leonard Hankerson, Josh Morgan or Santana Moss, which led to constant bracket coverage and safety help on Garcon. He still led the league with 113 receptions a year ago, but averaged just 11.9 yards per reception and scored a meager five touchdowns. Garcon won't catch nearly as many balls this season, but the arrival of DeSean Jackson will free him up to find more space and make more big plays. Garcon remains on the WR2 radar.

In two seasons since getting selected 33rd overall, Quick has totaled just 29 catches for 458 yards and four touchdowns. And like Britt, he's a big-bodied outside receiver that profiles as an "X" receiver. If Britt's knee is right and his head is on straight, Quick may not even get the 361 snaps he saw in 2013.

Reid is accused of head butting, punching, and kicking a man following an argument. It's believed the man "bumped into" Reid at the strip club. Reid, who is 6-foot-7, 340 pounds with 34 1/4-inch arms, also wound up punching security guards, per the police report. On the field, 25-year-old Reid has been a disappointment as the 85th overall pick in the 2011 NFL draft.